The story of WordPress in Nepal is a vibrant testament to the power of open source and community spirit. What began with small, passionate meetups has blossomed into a thriving ecosystem, culminating in the much-anticipated WordCamp Nepal 2026 in Butwal. Let’s dive into the rich history and exciting future of these pivotal events.
What Exactly is a WordCamp?
For those new to the scene, a WordCamp is far more than just a tech conference. It’s a community gathering centered around WordPress, the incredible open-source platform that now powers an astonishing 43% of all websites globally. But WordCamps extend beyond the software itself, exploring the broader world of internet technologies, digital professions, and best practices for building and managing a successful online presence.
Organized in over 120 countries, WordCamps are officially recognized and supported by the WordPress Foundation, a non-profit safeguarding the platform’s open nature and trademark. This global backing ensures a consistent quality and adherence to the WordPress Code of Conduct, promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility for all attendees.
The Journey of WordCamp in Nepal: A Glimpse into History
Nepal’s entry into the global WordCamp family was a momentous occasion. It all started on November 10, 2012, with the very first WordCamp hosted in Kathmandu City. This inaugural event was a resounding success, graced by a message from WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg and direct support from Philip Arthur Moore of Automattic.
From that historic day, the Nepali WordPress community flourished. Subsequent WordCamps were held in Kathmandu throughout 2013, 2014, and 2015, solidifying a national platform for learning, networking, and innovation.
A new chapter unfolded in 2016 with the introduction of city-based WordCamps. This strategic move aimed to empower smaller communities across the country to host their own events. The enthusiasm peaked in 2018, a landmark year that saw WordCamps successfully organized in three distinct cities: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar. This expansion not only diversified the community but also attracted a significant international presence, with 30-40% international speakers and around 20% attendees from neighboring countries.
The momentum continued into 2019 with events in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bharatpur. While the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges in 2020, the indomitable spirit of the community persevered, managing to host a single event in Butwal. This resilience paved the way for the renewed energy seen in 2025 with WordCamp Nepal in Kathmandu, setting the stage for an even bigger future.
Who is WordCamp For? Everyone!
WordCamps are inherently open and inclusive events. Whether you’re a complete beginner curious about starting a blog or a seasoned professional looking to deepen your expertise, there’s a place for you. Attendees represent a broad spectrum of digital professionals:
Web Developers & Designers
Bloggers & Content Creators
Journalists & Editors
Social Media Managers & Digital Marketers
E-commerce Store Owners
SEO Specialists
Students and anyone else interested in the web!
Sessions cover a vast array of topics, from cutting-edge design and development techniques to content strategy, digital marketing, startup advice, and e-commerce solutions. Past presentations showcase the incredible diversity of knowledge shared.
The Power Behind the Event: Volunteers and Sponsors
WordCamps are a true labor of love, proudly organized by dedicated volunteers from the local WordPress community. These passionate individuals commit their time and effort to bring these invaluable events to life.
Financially, WordCamp Nepal is a testament to collective support. It’s made possible through generous contributions from the global WordPress Foundation (including global sponsors), domestic financial donations from local Nepali companies, and, importantly, ticket sales. Every ticket purchase directly contributes to making the event a reality.
What to Expect at WordCamp Nepal 2026 in Butwal
Building on the success of past events, WordCamp Nepal 2026 is set to rekindle the flame of WordPress energy, this time in the heart of Butwal.
Expect a truly enriching experience:
Inspiring Talks: A lineup of seasoned speakers will challenge ideas, spark creativity, and provide insights into everything from design and development to content and e-commerce.
Hands-On Workshops: Dive into practical sessions designed to sharpen your skills, regardless of your experience level.
Real Connections: Network with collaborators, mentors, and make new friends. The conversations at WordCamps are often as valuable as the sessions themselves.
Contributor Day: Join forces to give back to the WordPress project. Whether you code, write, translate, design, or organize, there’s a vital role for you to play.
Community Vibes: Experience the unique welcoming, passionate, and proudly open-source spirit of the Nepali WordPress community in Butwal.
The organizing team is already hard at work, with Platinum Sponsors like DearFlip, Woo, and Kinsta already onboard, signifying the strong industry support for this upcoming event.
Join the Journey
Whether you’re a coder, a writer, a designer, a business owner, or simply curious about the transformative power of WordPress, WordCamp Nepal 2026 in Butwal welcomes you. Come for the sessions, stay for the stories, and leave with connections that will empower your digital journey far beyond the weekend.